Spitze
/ˈʃpɪt͡sə/
The English word "peak" can be translated into German as Spitze.
Spitze is used to describe the peak of a mountain or the peak of an economic cycle. It can also refer to a physical tip or point.
Meaning: mountain top (noun)
Which one should you use?
While Spitze can mean a physical tip or point, Gipfel is the more specific term used for the summit of a mountain. Bergspitze can be used to specifically refer to the peak or summit of a mountain. Höhepunkt represents the climax or culmination of something, both physically and metaphorically.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Spitze is Spitzen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃpɪtsə/
Did you know?
- The word Spitze is also the German term for 'lace' fabric, because the intricate patterns were historically created using fine points and needles.
- In a professional context, a Spitzenreiter is the 'leader' of a race or competition, literally translated as the 'peak rider'.
- While Spitze refers to the pointy tip, the word Gipfel is used for diplomatic meetings, such as a Gipfeltreffen or 'summit', where world leaders meet.
Examples in context
- Kannst du jenen Berg sehen mit der schneebedeckten Spitze?Can you see that mountain with the snow-covered peak?This sentence uses Spitze to describe a snow-covered mountain peak.Tatoeba #733403 by Esperantostern, translation #429360 by aliene
- Das ewige Paradoxon der Spitzenleistung im Schach oder bei jedem anderen Unterfangen besteht darin, zu wissen, wie man aus seinen Fehlern Kapital schlägt und weitermacht, als ob man unbesiegbar wäre. Es ist notwendig zu lernen und sofort zu vergessen.The eternal paradox of peak performance in chess, or any endeavor, really, is how to learn from your failures while still carrying on as if you are invincible. You must learn and forget simultaneously.This sentence uses Spitze in the context of peak performance (Spitzenleistung).Tatoeba #10551065 by carlosalberto, translation #10551052 by carlosalberto
- Unsere Bergsteiger erreichten den Gipfel des Mount Everest.Our mountaineers reached the peak of Mount Everest.
- Die Inflation erreichte im letzten Jahr eine Spitze.Inflation reached its peak last year.
- Der Höhepunkt des Konzerts war zweifellos der letzte Song.The peak of the concert was undoubtedly the last song.
- Vom Flugzeug aus waren die schneebedeckten Bergspitzen deutlich zu erkennen.The snow-covered mountain peaks were clearly visible from the airplane.
- Die Spitze des Berges ist im Schatten.The peak of the mountain is in the shade.
Example conversation
Two hikers are looking at a distant mountain.
- HannahSiehst du die Spitze dort vorne?Do you see the peak up there?
- FelixJa, Hannah, sie sieht sehr weit weg aus.Yes, Hannah, it looks very far away.
- HannahFelix, wollen wir versuchen, dorthin zu wandern?Felix, do you want to try hiking there?
- FelixGerne, das wird ein tolles Abenteuer.I'd love to, it will be a great adventure.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Spitze, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
